ERIK STANDS BY STRIKERS
United boss insists he’s happy with goal tally from misfiring forwards
ERIK TEN HAG is not worried by Manchester United’s lack of goals, despite them scoring just 13 in the league this season.
Of the top 10, only Bournemouth have managed fewer, but Ten Hag says he is happy with the return from his strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Antony have bagged 11 between them in the league – but the head coach has defended them.
“Marcus has scored five goals out of 11 games [in all competitions],” said Ten Hag ahead of tonight’s visit of Tottenham.
“Antony wasn’t involved in the first five games but has scored three in his first four appearances.
“Jadon has scored three goals, Ronaldo has two and Martial, don’t forget him, has three.
“We have players who can be productive, so as a matter of fact it’s not a real concern. There are many problems and we had to integrate many players.
“We had to deal with problems offensively from the start. Ronaldo was unavailable, Martial was not on the pitch and didn’t play a full game until now.
“I’m sure, when that is better, with two No.9s present and fit in a good combative shape, results from the team will improve.”
Ronaldo threw a strop when he was substituted during United’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Sunday but Ten Hag defended the reaction of his star player.
“No player is happy when he comes off, especially not Ronaldo, I understand that,” said the Dutchman. “As long as it’s in a quiet, normal way, there’s no problem with that. Of course he is convinced he should stay on and should score a goal, that is why he’s good.”
United’s midfielders have also come up short in terms of goals, with Casemiro,
Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay all having failed to score in the league this term.
But the most alarming slump has come from Bruno Fernandes, who has scored just once in 13 games in all competitions.
Fernandes plundered a remarkable 28 goals in his first full season with United, in 2020-21. Ten Hag, however, claimed he was still pleased with the Portugal playmaker’s form.
Captain in the absence of Harry Maguire, Ten Hag said of Fernandes: “He’s really an example, with the way he transfers the play for us.
“How he motivates those around him, he’s the example with the energy he gives.
“That is really good and I’m happy with his performances – and I know his goals and assists will come.”
Overall, though,Ten Hag insists that United are still nowhere near good enough as a team.
Ten Hag, whose fifth-placed side trail leaders Arsenal by 11 points, said: “I’m a person who is never satisfied.
“I’m not satisfied with where we are but I also know that I’m impatient.
“Good is not good enough –
I see many things that can go much better.
“I also see improvement, so when we keep going with this progress we’ll improve more and I will be even happier.”
NOT SUCH A MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: Manchester United superstar Ronaldo has managed just two goals in all competitions for his club side this season